Transcript

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>> And he was 100% a full time Secret Service operative.>> Despite that unequivocal accusation, the United Arab Emirates has pardoned British academic Matthew Hedges. He was sentenced to life in prison on spying charges. The news came with the release of an alleged confession video. In which Hedges says he is a member of British intelligence agency MI6, and was looking into the UAE's military systems.

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His wife Daniela Tejada welcomed the news of his pardon, but denied claims of him being as spy.>> Do you know what? In my heart I know that he isn't. I've put my hands on fire for him and I will do it over and over again if it's necessary but if that's what it takes for him to be back, I just welcome the news.

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>> The country's state news agency said that clemency came as part of national day celebrations and will come into immediate effect. The PhD student was arrested while on a research visit in May, triggering a strong, diplomatic push from the UK to secure his release. British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said while he didn't agree with the charges, he was grateful to the UAE for resolving the issue speedily.

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>> But we've seen no evidence to support these accusations against Matthew Hedges. But today what we want to do is to thank them for the fact that they have, reflected on the strong representations that we've made which means that Matthew Hedges is going to be reunited with his family.

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>> The UAE says Hedges will leave the country when the procedures are complete.